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Feb. 4, 2010

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – University of Northern Iowa head women’s soccer coach James Price announced the signing of nine student athletes Thursday.

Allie Brees (Urbandale, Iowa), Claire Clark (Ankeny, Iowa), Sam Copley (Woodward, Iowa), Kim Gianos (Naperville, Ill.), Kimmy Journot (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Nicole Postel (Urbandale, Iowa), Elizabeth Rodriquez (Grimes, Iowa), Erin Zaideman (Bartlett, Ill.), and Grace Schield (Madison, Wis.).

"As coaches we feel this class has helped us address some needs, both in terms of depth and overall athleticism,” UNI head coach James Price said. “To attract as many quality recruits as we have this year is a testament to the exceptional level of academics here at UNI and also the potential that many people see in our soccer program."

Allie Brees, Midfield, Urbandale, Iowa/Urbandale

Brees started all four seasons at Urbandale High School earning first team all-state and first team all-conference honors in 2009. Brees earned second-team all-conference honors in 2008 and honorable mention honors in 2007. She was named team defensive MVP each season as well as being named to the NSCAA/adidas High School Girls Scholar All-Central Region team in addition to earning academic all-conference honors from 2006-09. Brees is a member of the National Honor Society as well as FCA and is listed on the honor roll.  

“Allie is a stylish midfielder that brings good size and a solid defensive presence to that area of the pitch,” Price said. “Playing for Urbandale as prep, she follows in the footsteps of current Panthers Megan Cameron and Kala Negus”

Claire Clark, Forward, Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny

Clark was a three-year letterwinner at Ankeny helping the Hawks to two conference titles and a state semi-final appearance in 2009. Clark also played on the club team, Iowa Rush, helping the team capture the State Cup in 2009 while scoring a hat-trick in the 3-1 championship match. As a member of the West Des Moines Heat club team, she helped the team win State Cup championships in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

“Claire is a quick, strong forward that has a proven ability to score goals,” Price said. “She has been a member of winning teams at both the high school and club level which gives her valuable experience on the field.”

Sam Copley, Midfield, Woodward, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes

Copley was a three-year letterwinner earning all-conference honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as well as earning Honorable Mention All-State honors in 2007 and 2008 and second team all-state honors in 2009. Copley helped the Fillies to a runner-up finish at the 2009 state championship. Copley was also a member of the Iowa Rush club team that won the State Cup in 2009. She is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Bankers Trust Committee and NCYL as well as being listed on the honor roll.

“Sam brings composure and technical ability to the midfield,” Price said. “She has a good first touch, and is able to connect passes efficiently.”

Kim Gianos, Goalkeeper, Naperville, Ill./St. Francis

Gianos was a two-year letterwinner at St. Francis, earning all-conference honors in 2009. She owns her high school record for lowest goals against average (0.8) and most shutouts in a season (16). Gianos helped her team to the regional championships and sectional finals in 2009. Gianos is a member of SADD, mentor program, Chess Club and is listed on the honor roll.

“Kim played in a very competitive high school region,” Price said. “She is a fearless goalkeeper that has a good command of her defense and is a fine shot stopper.”

Kimmy Journot, Defender/Midfield, Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Kennedy

Journot earned four varsity letters at Kennedy High School while earning a spot on the 2009 All-State Tournament team after helping her team to a state championship. Journot also helped Kennedy to runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008. She is a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Honor Roll and is in the top 15 percent of her graduating class.

“Kimmy is a technically gifted player that combines smart play with a biting tackle,” Price said. “She is the sister of current Panther Missy Journot, and was a member of the hugely successful Kennedy high school team.”

Nicole Postel, Defender, Urbandale, Iowa/Johnston

Postel was a four-year letterwinner at Johnston High School helping Johnston to a conference title in 2007 as well as reaching the state semifinals in 2007 and 2008. As a member of the JUSC club team, she helped her team to runner-up finishes at the State Cup in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 while serving as the club team captain.

“Nicole is a terrific athlete and possesses a strong right foot,” Price said.
“She is particularly dangerous on set pieces and is a solid one-on-one defender.”

Elizabeth Rodriquez, Defender, Grimes, Iowa/Hoover

Rodriquez was a three-year letterwinner earning all-state honorable mention honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as well as being named first-team all-conference three years. Rodriquez is also a member of the Iowa Rush club team that won the State Cup in 2009. Rodriquez is a member of National Honor Society, NCYL, Best Buddies Associate, Honor Roll and was a United Way Letterwinner in basketball and softball from 2006-2009.

“Elizabeth is a very versatile player who can play comfortably on either flank as well as central midfield,” Price said. “Elizabeth is a solid passer and a quality one-on-one defender.”

Erin Zaideman, Goalkeeper, Bartlett, Ill./Bartlett

Zaideman served as the starting goalkeeper since her freshman season, earning four varsity letters at Bartlett High School. Zaideman served as her team captain her senior season, earning all-conference honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Zaideman is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Class Council, SADD, Peer Leaders, Key Club and P.E. leaders. Zaideman also played on the club team, Chicago Fire.

“Erin is a dynamic and energetic goalkeeper with tremendous potential,” Price said. “She will add competition and depth to the position immediately.”

Grace Shield, Midfield, Madison, Wis./Middleton

Shield was a member of the Middleton high school team playing for head coach Ken Burghy.

“Grace is a hardworking and talented player that reads the game very well and is very a strong leader,” Price said. “She has the ability to get from box to box, and can make an impact in any game.”